What protective equipment should be worn near the firing line?

• A. Ear protection only
• B. Eye protection only
• C. Ear and eye protection
• D. No protection

Answer: (C)

Hearing and eye protection at the firing line are essential. Firearm discharge creates very loud noise that can damage hearing instantly and over time, so protecting your ears with earplugs or earmuffs reduces the sound reaching the inner ear. At the same time, eye injuries are a real risk from ejected shell casings, hot gases, powder, or fragments that can travel toward the face. Protective eyewear with impact resistance and side protection shields your eyes from these hazards. Wearing one without the other leaves you vulnerable in different ways, so the safest and most effective practice is to wear both ear and eye protection whenever you’re near or at the firing line.